1. Jan 7 – Orientalism Agenda: Quick-write - “How to Write About Africa”
Taking a Perspective – 1st Look
Video Clip – Temple of Doom
Images – Louis Vuitton
Take out:
Pen/Pencil
Homework reading and answers to questions
Notebook
Homework:
Read and answer questions in Edward Said’s “Orientalism”

2. Quick-Write “How to Write About Africa”
These are the first three (non-map) images that pop up in a Google search for the word “Africa” – what do you think that Wainaina (the author) would have to say about this?
Discuss your answers – and the answers to the reading questions – with your group.
What is the author saying?

8. Orientalism – Edward Said
Palestinian-American author
Taught at Colombia University
Published Orientalism in 1978
Believed the concept to be a form of Western self-affirmation, passive racism, and a tool of imperialism
Argues that the Orientalist viewpoint is a lens through which much of the West continues to view the “Oriental” world

9. November 28/29 – Orientalism
Agenda:
Quick-write
Orientalism
Notes & Orientalist Art
Homework Discussion
Perspective – 2nd Look
Homework:
Read “…Kidnapping our People” and take notes on the given topics
Take Out:
Pen/Pencil
Notebook
“Perspective” Worksheet
“Orientalism” Reading

10. Quick-Write What is Orientalism? Where does it come from?
Knowing that we will be reading Heart of Darkness, which is set in Africa, why do you think that we’re learning about the Orientalist perspective?

11. Orientalism From the Latin “Orion” meaning “East”
Originally referred to Asian countries that lay East along trade routes from Europe
“Orient” came to refer to the ‘East’ (Asia, Middle East, Africa, Oceania) as opposed to/ in relation to the “Occident” or the ‘West’ (USA, England, France)
Western fascination with the East began with the Crusades ( )
Concept of “the Orient” as a designation of a place/people originated in the 19th century
Colonialism fueled the Western image of “the Orient”

12. What is “the Orient”? “The Orient” is a conceptual construct
Created by, in relation to, and distinctly for the West
The concept merges a myriad of distinct and unique cultures, countries and continents into a single, observable whole
Promulgated by (Western) societies, governments, writers, artists and the general public
Developed into the common Western cultural understanding of anything that is not Western
Subsequently, Orientalism is the image of the 'Orient' expressed as an entire system of thought and scholarship

13. Orientalist Perceptions: Whereas the…
“Occident” is…
The “Orient” is…
Biologically superior
Civilized
Understandable
Dynamic
Powerful
Masculine
Reserved
Intelligent
Known
Inferior
Uncivilized
Peculiar/Mystical
Static
Weak/Defenseless
Feminine
Savage (sexual)
Unintelligent
Unknown

14. In Lit and Art Orientalism became “the norm” in literature and art:
Often portrayed “Orientals” and “Oriental” influences as sexual, savage, promiscuous, cunning or “uncivilized”
Used vulnerability of Western women to accentuate Orientalist viewpoints
“Turkish Bath” – Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres – 1862 – France

15. Orientalism in Literature
Began with travelogues written by Westerners
Expressed the mysticism and romanticism of visited lands
Introduced the “savage” and “noble savage”
“Translated” works increased interest & inspired writers
Koran, Mahabharata, Arabian Nights
Translation allowed for interpretation
Writers used the Orient as a location for romance and adventure
Mined texts and travelogues for “details
Placed Western heroes in a foreign/dangerous setting
Orient became associated with lush landscapes, eroticism, mystery, rich costume, and fierce military campaigns

16. “The Slave and the Lion” – George Rochegrosse – 1882 – France

17. “A New Light in the Harem” – Frederick Goodall – 1884 – England

18. “Odalisque and Slave” – Ingres – 1839 – France

19. Said’s Orientalism
Discuss your homework with your group… was there anything that you were confused about?
Use the notes that you just took, and the knowledge of your peers, to fill in any missing information
Is there anything that we need to cover or clarify as a class?

20. Taking a 2nd Look
Think back to the clip from Indiana Jones, and the Luis Vuitton Ads.
Keeping in mind what you now know about “Orientalism”, what is your second impression of them?
Critically analyze these pieces through this new lens

21. Heart of Darkness
Published in serial form in1898 by Joseph Conrad ( )
Born Jozef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski in the Polish Ukraine
Traveled to Marseilles when he was seventeen to work as a sailor
Signed on to an English ship in 1878
Became a British subject in 1886
Began writing in 1889
Took command of a steamship in the Belgian Congo in 1890, which provided the inspiration for his best-known work; Heart of Darkness

22. Background on the Belgian Congo (Homework)
Read “The Traders are Kidnapping our People” and take notes as you go
This is the Prologue to the book King Leopold’s Ghost
Main Ideas to take notes on (generally in the order that you will encounter the information in the text):
European ideas about Africa
Cao’s discovery
The Congo and the Kongo
The ManiKongo
Slavery in the Congo, and the expansion thereof
Affonso
Foreign impact on the Congo/Kongo
Oral History of European/Native African encounters
Physical information and Geography of the Congo (region and river)
Tuckey’s Expedition